No plan to return to APC ― Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Wednesday said that there was no plan to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and return to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement made by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Terrver Akase said that Ortom visited President Muhamadu Buhari to brief him on the state matters and to update the president on the security situation in the state.

While describing the insinuations as unfounded, Ortom said that the insinuations had grown stronger since his visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja yesterday.

“As a leader of the party in the state, the Governor enjoys a robust relationship with other PDP leaders and members at the state and national levels.

“The Benue electorate has also indicated clearly from the results of the last general election that the PDP remains their preferred political party. Governor Ortom always stands with his people and this, he will continue to do.

“We wish to advise those spreading the rumour and misleading people to know that President Buhari is not an APC President. He is the President of the whole Nigeria across party divides. He is the Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces and receives periodic briefings from State Governors and other stakeholders.

“Governor Ortom’s visit to the Presidential Villa was, therefore, to discuss state matters particularly to give the President an update on the security situation in his state and the efforts the Government is making to guarantee peace in all parts of the state as well as its borders with other states such as Taraba and Ebonyi.

“Politics is over. Now is time for governance to ensure that development gets to the people. We advise those making unfounded speculations and fanning embers of discord to allow Governor Ortom and President Buhari to synergise where possible and concentrate on strategising to ensure the security of lives and property as well as the general welfare of the people,” part of the statement read.